Straightliner59

I'm working on an idea for some hinges, now. I kind of feel like I need to do it!

Thank you, Carl. I'm enjoying it, immensely! In fact, I just poked a hole in it, for the filler nap/neck. I think it suits the look I'm after, pretty well.

Scott, here are a few photos of the car, along with one of the box label.

Oops! I meant to. It's a Johan/Xcel promo. I will get it back out and take a couple more photos, later. It's a '68, in "Classic Black" with a red interior, according to the box. I meant to mention all that, originally. Sorry.

I got a few things, today. The booklet in the Piranha kit is almost worth the price of admission, itself. It's pages of nothing but gorgeous photos! I got the AMX because neither kits, nor promos are getting any cheaper, and, I wanted something I could build--it'll likely be a curbside. Maybe either a Stock class drag car, or a road racer, of some sort.

Did a bit of sanding on the character line. I've never been much for body work! The spear point on the cowl is especially tricky to get to...

Here it is with the Blacken-It. I left it on about 45 seconds, or so. I really like it!

This is very cool, Bernard! I love that choice of setup for the engine--perfect! Excellent work, sir!

David, I found just the thing for the fuel cap--Blacken-it! It etched it, just the right amount. I'll get some photos, tomorrow.

Thank you, so very much, Tim. I am truly honored that you stopped by and commented! I still have some sanding to do with that molding, but, I am happy with the start! Thank you, also, for all your hard work for our hobby. I am sure that you are easily the most prolific writer this hobby has known--and I doubt it's even close. Thank you for your inspiration. Not only for the times I've been inspired by your work, but, there must be thousands more, who've also been inspired by the things you've built and written about. Thank you, for all of that! Finally, thank you for my first-ever magazine appearance, in your Street Rodder column, back in 1985 or '86. You posted a photo of a Model A roadster I entered at the Oakland Roadster Show.

Thank you, David. I agree regarding the body molding. It's such an important part of the car's look, it's hard to believe Monogram left it off. I suppose it's a concession to that open-top version they had of it, that uses the same body, and was molded in yellow. I plan on putting the tank, and the battery in the trunk. The trunk won't open, so the only indicators of them will be the filler cap, and, on the underside, the battery cables and the fuel line and pump. I am pretty happy with the cap! Agreed, too, that a bit of a wash will do wonders, for it. I think I'll install it there, on top of the body panel, probably adjacent to the top line of the trunk. Thanks for your comments.

Thank you, sir! I think the fender would look best, too. As I said, earlier, I am kind of leaning toward opening them, just to try something new! It's more fun, that way! I shot some primer on it, to get an idea of where I am. Not bad, for a rough draft, I think.

I'm leaning closer toward opening the doors. I've not completed a model, before, that I opened the doors. This one should be relatively simple, to do. Inspired by Francis and Tim, I took a very baby step, and made a filler cap for the fuel tank. The tank will be relocated to the trunk/rumble seat area. I ran across a really neat way a guy did his, that uses a small electric pump, mounted to the frame. The lines are run through the glass bowl, and everything. Apparently, a pump is desired, when running two carbs. Anyway, making the brass cap (inspired by those on many of the trucks I've driven, through the years) went without a hitch! You can see, in a couple of the images, pencil marks on the body, indicating possible locations for the filler to be located. I am open to suggestions--please? ? I think it will be simple projects like this filler cap that will give me some confidence, and a greater comfort level, with my mill. That will likely lead to more ambitious efforts! Now, about those doors...

Yeah, I don't need any help, there! I added the rolled ribs pretty early on. It definitely looks naked, without them! I'll likely talking myself out of opening the doors, right up 'til the second I cut 'em out!

I've started work on the welting that Monogram oddly left off the body. A fair amount of sanding and filling to do, but, I think it's a good start. I'm debating whether I want to open the doors, or not. I'm not sure if I am trying to talk myself into it, or out of it! As always, questions, comments and critiques are welcome. Thank for looking!

I would go with the smaller. It's closer to correct, and, I think the larger wire may draw attention away from other details.

Excellent work, Francis! It is satisfying to watch a craftsman at work. Your work is inspirational. Thanks for sharing it, with us!

Oh, yeah! The Tubes wrote a song about this part. It ain't "White Punks On Dope", either! ?

Thanks, Gerry! I think I know which I will order, now.

At some point, back in the late '80s, I had a bottle of Mr. Surfacer primer. I don't remember which number it was, but it was a perfect viscosity for filling small joints, such as those seen at the tops and bottoms of the cylinders, in the attached photo. I want to use a brush, and kind of flow it in. Suggestions as to which Mr. Surfacer number would work best would be much appreciated! Do they go from thinnest (500) to thickest (1200) viscosity?

Thank you, kind sir. Well, that all fits! I don't know if it's a good thing, but, when the original kit belt/pulley casting is held up in front of my engine's pulleys, they all match, perfectly! Looking from the side, they all align for the belt, so, I think we done good! ? Comments, questions and critiques are always welcome! Thanks for looking!

Very nicely done, Tim! That looks to be a complex operation. Excellent work!

Don was the best friend I ever had. He was my mentor, as well. He was a prominent figure in this magazine's early years. His models made the cover of Model Cars and SA(E), multiple times. He never had a secret, when it came to building--he would share anything he knew, with anyone who was interested. I'd not be the modeler I am, without his influence and guidance. It's sappy, but, I call my workbench "The Don Fahrni Memorial Workbench", in his honor.

Sweet!

Nice work, Pete! I have one of the Monogram 35s. I don't foresee milling anything, for it, but I do want to sand off the molded-on wire on the body, and replace it with real wire and pegs/rivets/screws, or whatever they are.